Entry Level Controls Design Engineer
The Entry Level Controls Design Engineer at Confidential Client's Solar Turbines division will design electrical hardware and control systems for industrial gas turbines and related equipment. This role involves developing electrical schematics and PLC control software, collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines, supporting field commissioning, and engaging with customers to ensure quality and timely project delivery in a dynamic engineering environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering (Industrial Gas Turbines & Energy Solutions).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This entry-level Controls Design Engineer role supports the Custom Solutions Engineering Value Stream working on electrical hardware and control systems for industrial gas turbines, power generators, compressors, and methane-emissions reduction systems. Day-to-day you will:
- Design electrical schematics and control logic for programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Develop and test ladder-logic and related PLC programs; support Windows-based HMIs
- Support software testing and system simulation to validate control behavior
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and external customers
- Support commissioning, field troubleshooting, and resolution of safety-critical risk assessments
- Participate in Customer Design Reviews, HAZOPs, and on-site field support as required
- Deliver high-quality work on schedule while managing multiple priorities
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering (required)
- Minimum GPA: 2.8 or above
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work on-site in San Diego, CA five days per week
Preferred / Top Candidate Skills
- Educational or hands-on exposure to electrical equipment design and control systems
- Experience or coursework with PLC programming and ladder logic
- Familiarity with Windows-based HMI development
- Understanding of turbomachinery electrical loop schematics, P&IDs, and control systems
- Team-oriented, detail-focused, organized, and able to manage competing priorities
- Willingness to travel when needed for customer support or commissioning
Compensation & Benefits
- Summary Pay Range (posted): $72,360 — $108,540 per year
- Benefits (subject to plan eligibility): medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401(k), HSA/FSA options, incentive bonus, disability & life insurance, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and career development programs
- Relocation assistance available. Visa sponsorship not available.
- Any offer is conditioned on successful completion of a drug screen.
Work Location & Schedule
- This is an on-site role at the Confidential Client facility in San Diego, CA (work onsite five days/week).
- Travel to customer sites and field locations may be required periodically.
Why Apply via Careertakes
- Careertakes is a third-party recruiting partner helping match candidates to this opportunity with the Confidential Client.
- Applicants may receive access to additional matched engineering and controls roles through the Careertakes platform.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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